The Wand in the Word: Conversations with Writers of Fantasy

by Leonard S. Marcus (Editor)

"A rich resource that will be consulted as frequently by children’s literature professionals and by genre fans themselves." —  Booklist  (starred review)

What kind of child were you? When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? Why do you write fantasy? 

"Fantasy," writes Leonard S. Marcus, "is storytelling with the beguiling power to transform the impossible into the imaginable and to reveal our own ‘real’ world in a fresh and truth-bearing light." Few have harnessed this power with the artistry, verve, and imagination of the authors encountered in this compelling book. How do they work their magic? 

Finely nuanced and continually revealing, Leonard S. Marcus’s interviews range widely over questions of literary craft and moral vision, as he asks thirteen noted fantasy authors about their pivotal life experiences, their literary influences and work routines, and their core beliefs about the place of fantasy in literature and in our lives. Back matter includes an index.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Books About Books, Biography, Anthologies, Essays, Reference

208 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2006

About the author

Leonard S. Marcus is one of the world's leading writers about children's books and their illustrations. His many books include The Wand in the Word: Conversations with Writers of Fantasy; Funny Business: Conversations with Writers of Comedy; Dear Genius; and others. His essays, interviews, and reviews appear in the New York Times Book Review, among other publications. Leonard S. Marcus lives in Brooklyn.

Reviews

[Luann]

This is not the type of book that I like to read all in one sitting or even in just two or three sittings. I enjoyed reading just a few pages at a time, often reading just the section for one author and then looking at my “read” list by that author and sometimes adding a book or two to my TBR list. I also kept track of favorite quotes about reading, writing, and fantasy as I read.

This is a very interesting set of interviews if you are interested in fantasy, have read books written by these authors, want to learn about the lives of these authors, or want to learn about writing. Turns out I had read at least one book by each of these authors, and many books by several of them. Quite a few of them I count among my favorite authors. Leonard Marcus chose some fabulous authors to interview.

Quotes I marked:

Fantasy is a good way to show the world as it is. Fantasy can show us the truth about human relationships and moral dilemmas because it works on our emotions on a deeper, symbolic level than realistic fiction. It has the same emotional power as a dream. – Lloyd Alexander

I love it that as a writer you work with the poetry and music of words. Words are as wild as rocky peaks. They’re as smooth as a millpond and as sunny as a day in a meadow. Words are beautiful things. Every word matters. – Brian Jacques

In her Newbery Medal acceptance speech, L’Engle said that one of fantasy’s great appeals for her is that it is written in “the only language in the world that cuts across all barriers of time, place, race, and culture.” Then she spoke about her passion for stargazing, described her favorite stargazing rock, and, quoting British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, concluded, “A book, too, can be a star, ‘explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly.’” – Leonard Marcus about Madeleine L’Engle

The best fantasy, Nix believes, lets us escape to “someplace else” while at the same time putting us in closer touch with “all sorts of human experiences . . . life, death, love, and tragedy. It’s the best of both worlds.” – Leonard Marcus about Garth Nix

I tell schoolchildren: You know those things that you feel you have to know everything possible about – crocheting or dressage or ballet – and you go after it hammer and tongs for six or eight months and then get interested in something else and you go after it? And your parents say you have no follow-through? Actually, you’re laying the base for your creativity. That obsession may not seem important now, but you’ll be able to draw on it later. – Tamora Pierce

Fantasy is like an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not actually take you anywhere, but it does exercise the muscles that will. – Terry Pratchett

Memory and story are related. When I write down something that happened to me, I am apt to change what happened to make a better story of it. Story revises memory to get at the truth. I’ve always loved the paradox that in storytelling you have to lie in order to tell the truth. – Jane Yolen

[Anne Hamilton]

A series of interviews with thirteen of the 'big names' of fantasy. Mainly children's fantasy. Marcus starts each interview with 'What were you like as a child?' then tailors his next question, depending on the answer.

I particularly liked the quote from Ursula Le Guin's The Tombs of Atuan. 'Knowing names,' said Sparrowhawk, 'is my job. My art. To weave the magic of a thing, you see, one must first find its true name out.'

And Marcus' question: Are there ways in which writers of fantasy can get at the true names more readily than can writer of 'realistic' stories?

Answer: Well, it's far more direct for the fantasist. A Chekhov has to go through all the 'thick description' of the real world, which the clarity of the true name can scarcely pierce through, in gleams and glimpses only...and cannot be directly spoken. The fantasist can fly straight to the light... As a sort of do-it-yourself Taoist, I have to add that the name that can be spoken isn't the true name.

And Philip Pullman's remark about his teacher reading Milton's poetry: ...the sound of Milton's poetry when read aloud, and then tasted> afterwards in your own mouth, was enormously powerful. From that experience, I learned that things can affect us before we understand them, and at a deeper level than we can actually reach with our understanding. I also learned that you respond physically> to poetry. Your hair stands on end. Your skin bristles. Your heart goes faster.

[ambyr]

There's no great secrets here, but it's a charming look at the lives of many of the best children's fantasists of the twentieth century. I particularly appreciated hearing from Lloyd Alexander--whose personal life I've seldom seen discussed--and Brian Jacques, and any moments with LeGuin and Pratchett are worth cherishing. The questions could be repetitive, but whether it's the authors or Marcus's editing to thank, even answers to things as cliche as "What is your daily routine?" yield a variety of interesting tangents. Marcus in general comes across as an excellent interviewer; the one exception is his obsession with Tolkien, which some of his subjects clearly do not share. (Watching them dodge the question has a charm all of its own, though.) And I think there's a lot of value to showing people--particularly children--that authors are ordinary people with ordinary lives, who spend more hours than they'd like answering e-mail and fewer hiking through the Australian bush.

[Nandakishore Mridula]

Enjoyable light-hearted read. Stuff to while away a lazy afternoon. Does not give much insight into the authors' craft, though.

Full review coming up soon.

[Shaz]

Three and a half stars

A set of interviews with 13 of the best writers of children's fantasy, this was a very nice way to spend some time with them as they talked about their lives and writing and reading. The questions can get a bit repetitive but the answers still manage to go in different directions. I am not familiar with all these authors' works, but I still liked getting to know a bit about them through this medium.

[Rochy]

Si quieres escribir primero tienes que leer.

[Alyssa Nelson]

When I came across this at the library, I had to check it out, because all of the interviews are from my favorite fantasy authors. These people have had a huge impact on the genre, and have been inspirations to me both as a reader and a writer.

The Wand in the Word provides a brief look into the writers' lives in a quick-to-understand format. I enjoyed the pictures of the authors when they were younger, and I loved learning about their first experiences with reading, storytelling and fantasy. For some reason, I thought that this would be more writing instruction and less interview, (maybe because of the title?) but I quickly got over my disappointment. Being an aspiring writer and having read a lot of books from these people, it was interesting to compare their different views and ways of approaching stories and writing. And as always for people who live and breathe words, it is evident how they center their lives around books.

Though somewhat insightful and interesting, the questions aren't groundbreaking. If you're looking for a tell-all book about your favorite fantasy author, this isn't it. It provides nice overviews for all the authors involved, but nothing too in-depth. The best part for me was that all of these authors have an encouraging outlook for aspiring writers. They are all very different and have very different experiences with school, books, reading, and life in general. Yet, all of them have experienced success. That was a great thing to see -- there isn't a formula for becoming a writer, the only thing that's required is a love for stories.

Confession: I started writing right after I finished reading this book.

A great read for fans of these authors and for aspiring writers.

Also posted on Purple People Readers.

[Melody]

Set-piece interviews with some of the best-known names in fantasy, including Ursula K. Le Guin, Philip Pullman, Brian Jacques, Tamora Pierce and Nancy Farmer. There's a photo of Lloyd Alexander that took my breath away. I've resolved to read something by Garth Nix, based on his interview. And Nancy Farmer, too. Jacques strikes me as an endearing rogue in the Heinlein vein. My verdict on the book is that it's spotty but interesting.

[Cyndy]

This is a great book to learn from if you are a writer. Yes, it deals with writers of fantasy, particularly children's fantasy, but there are good ideas for character building and other aspects of writing that folks in any genre could put to use.

[Jennifer Sommer]

Thirteen well-known fantasy authors of both teen and children's books are interviewed for this compilation. Asked about their childhoods, their school experiences, the storytellers in thier own lives and the influence of other fantasy writers, primarily J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, on their work, readers can begin to appreciate the authors of some of their favorites fantasies. Authors include Lloyd Alexander, Franny Billingsley, Susan Cooper, Nancy Farmer, Brian Jacques, Diana Wynne Jones, Ursela K. LeGuin, Madeleine L'Engle, Garth Nix, Tamora Pierce, Terry Pratchett, Phillip Pullman, and Jane Yolen. A bibliography is included for the writings by each author. One of the most interesting aspects for me was seeing a page of each author's manuscript after being edited for corrections! This would appeal to readers interested in reading about authors or are would-be authors themselves! Suitable for grades 4 and up.

[Kamryn Leavitt-Bonazza]

A series of interviews with renowned writers of fantasy, guided by Leonard S. Marcus.

A wonderful collection that gives readers insight to the childhood memories of growing up, plenty of war stories through the eras, going to school, and listening to the storytellers within their own lives. All to paint an image of the literary development of “the greats” of their time.

My venture into reading this book was initially sparked by my desire to gain some insight and tips from a variety of perspectives, searching for ways that would resonate with my own writing. I came to find that I was desiring more information than what was being shared, thus gave spark to my own ideas.

This book is a good starting point for curious minds, but not a magic wand possessing the answers on how to write your own fantasy novel.

Ultimately I still enjoyed reading about the authors lives and their take on the emergence of fantasy as a respected genre.

[Karima]

This is a wonderful collection of interviews with Fantasy some incredible Fantasy writers. I love the format, the questions, and the copy of an edited manuscript at the end of each chapter. It's also helpful to know that each writer has a process with similarities to mine-some don't write all day long; they may have a general idea of how a book will begin and end, but no clue about the middle; allow themselves to be spontaneous and take time to enjoy the craft...

Overall, a good, quick read.

[Etola]

An excellent series of interviews with famous writers of fantasy. Most of the people interviewed are authors I'm familiar with, which is a nice change from a lot of interview books where half the authors are folks I've never heard of or haven't read. There are a lot of great anecdotes and insights in this little volume. I'm glad I stumbled across it!

[Michelle’s Vintage Library]

A great introduction to fantasy fiction, via interviews and photos, to major authors you may not know (and insights into ones you already love).

It’s great for anyone wanting to write fantasy fiction. It’s full of anecdotes and fascinating details about these authors, their lives, and their approaches to and experiences with writing.

[Emily]

I might have to buy a copy of this book for my shelves—if only for the wonderful interview with Brian Jacques. I read a lot of the Redwall series in my growing up years and always enjoyed them. This interview made me want to revisit them again soon.

I also enjoyed the Madeliene L’Engle interview.

[Thomas]

The people and answers are great but the questions are obvious and lack depth. I've read better interviews in weekly magazines than in this supposedly specialized collection. Also the selection of authors is perhaps not diverse enough? (2020 lens)

[R.C.]

While I wish that Leonard Marcus would have allowed for a more organic flow of conversation in his questioning, this is an invaluable collection of insights into the minds of some of our most magnificent children's fantasy writers. Every writer of fantasy, for young or old, should read this book.

[Ions]

A fine collection of short interviews from some heavy hitters in the fantasy genre.

One weird thing noticed was how often star wars was brought up by the interviewer...maybe it was something the authors mentioned in pre-interview stuff and the host just ran with it.

[Lani E.]

I only read Ursula K. Le Guin's interview so far, but it was quite charming and informative. There was no grand secret here, though I still find it lovely all the same. I'm sure I'll pick up this book one day again.

[Abby Gray]

I always love reading about writers, especially fantasy writers, so this collection of interviews with some truly top-notch fantasy authors was very fun and interesting. And motivating! Apparently, the main secret ingredient to being a writer is… to write. Who’d have thought??

[Emery]

I love this book. It’s the best of it’s kind and irreplaceable.

[Beth]

3.5 Stars

[James S.]

Pretty good collection of interviews. Some are better than others (Le Guin's is one of the worse), but they're all readable and interesting.

[Robert Lloyd]

I loved how we were treated to a wide variety of writers with different life experiences and approaches to the writing of fantasy.

[Yani G]

Read it for the Pratchett. Enjoyed it pretty thoroughly.

[Mariella Taylor]

This was a fun chance to learn more about the writing and personal lives of so many fantasy authors that I adored growing up <3

[Laura Bang]

Short but interesting interviews with a number of fantasy authors.

[Robert]

Interesting interviews with thirteen fantasy writers about their early influences and writing processes.

[Mia Ojeda]

A fun read!

[Ivka]

4,5*